Victorious

Game 2 of the New York-Penn League Championship Series finally took place on Tuesday, following two consecutive rain outs.

The players were loose and upbeat in the dugout prior to the game, with the ValleyCats leading the series 1-0.

Manager Jim Pankovits’ ValleyCats (38-36) were widely considered to be the underdogs going into the series, as Wally Backman’s Cyclones (51-24) were heavily favored.

Tri-City was not intimidated.

The ValleyCats team of late was not the same team that began the 2010 season, at one point trailing first-place Vermont by 9.5 games.

On Tuesday, the 2010 ValleyCats were undisputed champions, defeating Brooklyn 5-1 to take the title.

This team has been one of the greatest examples of player development in recent memory.

The coaching staff and players worked together tirelessly to improve their skills and come together as a team.

Winning the championship did not come as a shock to anyone on this field, especially Charlie the batboy, who was tossed into the air and cheered by his team.

The clubhouse celebration that followed will be permanently etched in the minds of the 2010 team.

The team will receive championship rings that will be worn with pride as a symbol of their accomplishments.

For me personally, winning the championship on the field in Brooklyn represents coming full circle. This is where my baseball front office career began a decade ago, when I was part of the Brooklyn Cyclones inaugural season.

When I left the Cyclones to join the ValleyCats in 2004, I never could have imagined a moment quite like this.